Saturday, April 23, 2016

Last month, the multi-author collaborative romance project, "DESTINATION BILLIONAIRES ROMANCE SERIES," (DBR), launched with Lucy McConnell's The Reclusive Billionaire, to great reviews and success on Amazon. If you haven't read it, pick a copy up. Honestly, the reviews are sweet!

My contribution to the series won't launch until March of 2017, but I'm so very pleased to announce that the second book in the series is now available!

Shadows in the Curtains

by

Cami Checketts

Here's the blurb:,

Every stage actress
wants fans, but what happens when one goes too far?

Emmy has the perfect
life— a house on the beach, a successful career headlining the local theater,
more money than she cares to spend, and love. But when a brutal murder brings
unimaginable grief, Emmy’s world comes crashing down. As she tries to pick up
the pieces, she can’t seem to avoid Josh, the new fireman in town.

Emmy does her best to
fight the sizzle in her chest when Josh is near. But with the stalker still out
there, terrorizing her and those she cares about, she can’t fall for
anyone—especially Josh, a suspect in the murder investigation.

If Emmy allows a man
to get close, it’s not just her heart she puts at risk, it’s her life.

Nice sizzle, right? But there's more! A Rafflecopter Giveaway!

Get the book here, and spice up the read with some fun promotions. Cami Checketts is giving away 25 PRINT copies of her previous book, Dead Running, in a Rafflecopter giveaway. Those are great odds for winning another great Cami Checketts' novel.

Additionally, if you sign up for the DBR series' official newsletter, you will also receive a free copy of Lucy McConnell's The Busy Woman's Guide to Getting it All Done!

Friday, April 22, 2016

Interview with Rone awarding-winning author

Danyelle Ferguson

on life, and her newest release,

"Love Under Construction"

I met the effervescent,indefatigable Danyelle Ferguson several years ago while we were both attending the LDStorymakers' writing conference. At that time, she was co-authoring "dis-Abilities and the Gospel,"--a book on a subject near and dear to her heart, written to teach those who work with, and love, children with autism.Danyelle is an amazing person who leads with her heart in whatever she does. She and author/husband John are a real love match, and their family is their treasure. Her hopeful attitude and life and people in reflected in her romance novels, like her RONE Award-winning, Sweet Confections." I'm delighted to share this interview Danyelle and I cooked up to introduce readers to her new series, Indulgence Row. The first book in the series, Love Under Construction, has just been released.

1. Danyelle, I love the concept behind the Indulgence Row series. How did you come up withthat?

Every writer has a file of story ideas they brainstormed, then set aside as they worked on other projects. While I was working on my nonfiction projects about ten years ago, I brainstormed several fiction book plots I just loved. One involved a baker (Rachel & Graydon in Sweet Confections). Others included a hair stylist, a bookshop owner, a photographer, a dancer and more. But it wasn't until I came up with Charlee's story a little over three years ago that I realized I could connect several of the stories through her passion for renovation. I distinctly remember driving from Kansas City to Indianapolis with my daughter in car with me (we were driving to Pennsylvania for my sister's baby shower). Charlee's character popped into my head and as I developed her character, the idea of a street of older homes being renovated into a charming women's shopping district was born. I still have those original voice recordings and think it's fun to listen to how excited I was as plotted out Indulgence Row and the women's lives who would be weaved into it.

While my hubby is fabulous with a computer, the construction in LUC actually came from a mix of experiences and sources - growing up with a single-parent mom who took care of our home repairs, projects I've made or fixed up over the past two years, consulting with a home-builder, and a little internet research. Some of my real-life experiences even became the background story on a few projects. One in particular is a hutch mentioned early in LUC. Peter asks Charlee how she got such a great deal on it and she tells him about stopping at a garage sale, discovering the owner was deaf and using her rusty ASL skills to negotiate the sale. That actually happened! Only I had learned ASL recently, rather than in high school like Charlee. The owner was so excited to have someone he didn't need to write messages to or use his son as his interpreter, that he gave me a screaming deal on the hutch. Of course, it helped that it formerly belonged to his mother-in-law and he wanted it out of his garage where it was taking up space. I'm not sure if it was the ASL or the MIL connection that sealed the deal. =)

3. Congratulations on your RONE award last year. Tell readers about that wonderfulexperience.

Oh my goodness, it was truly amazing! The voting rounds were intense . . . or at least the waiting for the results was! When the finalists were announced, well, let's just say there were a few tears and yummilicious Chocolate Lava Sundaes to celebrate. The actual awards gala was incredible. Beautiful women in fancy dresses and sexy men in tuxes (an I'm not just talking about the cover models - my hubby was smokin' hot!). Receiving the gorgeous crystal RONE Award for Best Contemporary Sweet Romance from the talented Anne Perry was truly an honor. But sharing the weekend with my hubby, having him by my side, that was simply the best part of all.

4. What’s the title and premise behind the next Indulgence Row novel?

Falling Stars and Stolen Kisses is the next book in the Indulgence Row series. In Love Under Construction, you meet Charlee's best friend Mari, who left Kansas for the beaches of California and the opportunity to become a successful model. But life isn't perfect and some tragic events leave Mari heartbroken and on a journey to rediscover herself. Falling Stars and Stolen Kisses is Mari's story of returning to her hometown and confronting the final phase of her journey--including the man she left behind to pursue her dream of becoming a star.

5. Is there a writer you admire and emulate in your writing?

I adore author Kristan Higgins. Her books are funny, sassy, and with a touch of spice - my favorite relax-from-the-day treat. If there's anyone I hope readers will one day compare me to, it's Kristan.

6. What inspires and motivates you to write?

Music! I get so many story ideas from songs. Sometimes it's a character, other times it's a scene or tidbits of dialogue. These bursts of inspiration keep my inner-writer happy and reaching for my laptop. Plus my readers are amazing! I love their feedback when I post brainstorming questions for my books on social media. When I'm doubting my abilities, my readers messages give me that boost I need to keep charging through my rough draft or umpteenth round of edits.

7. Location and life experience can sprinkle their influence in my writing. Has that been true for you?

This is so true! I always fun real-life experiences into my books. In Love Under Construction, there's a scene where Charlee tells a little girl about the time she cut off her hair because she hated all the girl pageants her mom put her in. While the reason Charlee chopped off her hair is her own, the excuses she tells her parents and the hairdresser who fixes her hair are straight from my own experience with one of my daughters. The things I add are small, but they add so much depth to the story - at least for me. =)

*************************

Readers, follow on to the post below to enter Danyelle's Blog Tour giveaways!

KINDLE AND SWEET ROMANCE EBOOK BUNDLE GIVEAWAY

Enter to win a Kindle Fire and this fabulous bundle of sweet romances! The giveaway is open internationally. If the winner lives outside the Amazon Prime free shipping area, the winner will receive the sweet romance ebook bundle and the choice of either a $40 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash.

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Blog Tour Stop for

"LOVE UNDER CONSTRUCTION"

by RONE Award-winning author

Danyelle Ferguson

I'm delighted to join in the Blog Tour for Danyelle Ferguson's newest release, book one in her "INDULGENCE ROW," series titled, "Love Under Construction." It's my current bedtime romance. My official stop on the blog tour is set for tomorrow with a personal interview with the irrepressible Danyelle Ferguson, but here's a sneak peek at "Love Under Construction," and the wonderful prizes Danyelle is giving away during her launch.

What do you do when your boss makes someone else the lead on a big renovation project that should rightfully be yours? You quit. On second thought, that might not be the best idea, but Charlee Jackson has never been one for second thoughts. Instead, she lands a big contract of her own. She’s jumping into her new life—work boots, tool belt and all. Now she just needs to form a company and hire contractors and buy supplies and get an office . . . and not fall in love with her former boss's son. Yeah. Definitely not that last one.

Peter was torn . . .

You can’t date someone who works for you, but now that his dad let Charlee walk out the door, Peter Elliot is considering his options. Charlee was their top renovation expert, his best friend’s sister, and the only thing that made the drudgery of running a large construction business bearable. But how do you date a competitor, especially one your father is trying to drive out of business? It would be stupid to make your dad angry right before he retires and hands the company over to you. Right?

When Charlee and Peter are scheduled to work on the same Indulgence Row house, their feelings and priorities are put to the test. They need to make a choice, and they better be quick about it, because the whole mixture is curing fast and threatening to crumble to pieces.

Danyelle Ferguson discovered her love for the written word in elementary school. Her first article was published when she was in 6th grade. Since then, she’s won several awards and her work has been published world-wide in newspapers, magazines and books.

She grew up surrounded by Pennsylvania’s beautiful Allegheny Mountains, then lived for ten years among the majestic Wasatch Mountains. She is currently experiencing mountain-withdrawal while living in Kansas with her husband and family. She enjoys reading, writing, dancing and singing in the kitchen, and the occasional long bubble bath to relax from the everyday stress of being “Mommy.”

Enter to win a Kindle Fire and this fabulous bundle of sweet romances! The giveaway is open internationally. If the winner lives outside the Amazon Prime free shipping area, the winner will receive the sweet romance ebook bundle and the choice of either a $40 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash.

Monday, April 11, 2016

While decisions are being made about the publication path for The Dragons of Alsace Farm, I'll continue to introduce you to some of my friends great books.

Jennifer Stewart Griffin's clever charmer, "Big in Japan," is a unique read that delivers fun and suspense. Griffin is making this crowd pleasing novel available at 70% off retail until April 15th. Visit this link, choose the ebook version you prefer, and use promo code sumo199 at checkout! Voila! Sumo-sized fun for $1.99!!!

BIG IN JAPAN

“Quick and highly entertaining. With both a great sense of humor and insight into those moments that make life so unpredictable, Jennifer writes with a style that is as rare as it is endearing. Sure to be a hit!” —Chris Stewart, NYT bestselling author of The Miracle of Freedom

Buck Cooper is Texan, obese, and invisible to his colleagues. And to the voluptuous Allison Turner, the girl of his dreams, he is way below par. Buck's entire life is about fitting in, a feat he's been struggling to achieve but has never succeeded. Until serendipity lands him in Japan. Right in the middle of a sumo match.

As his life takes a new turn in a country where being big can mean fame and fortune, Buck must embark on the most dangerous, yet adventurous, ride of his life—to find the ultimate meaning of love and acceptance. Even if it means risking his life and giving up everything he has.

REVIEWS

“In Big In Japan, Griffith weaves a delightfully entertaining tale of change, bravery and true love in the life of a lonely young man trying to overcome an austere and challenging environment.” —Deseret News

“Griffith gives us a different picture of Japan than most of us have previously seen. This is not the cherry blossoms and tea houses version, but the crowded shops, strange food, political maneuvering, and grunginess of that country's national sport. Murder, blackmail, and danger create an intense plot that will keep many readers on the edge of their chairs or burning the lights far into the night.” —Meridian Magazine

“Quick and highly entertaining. With both a great sense of humor and insight into those moments that make life so unpredictable, Jennifer writes with a style that is as rare as it is endearing. Sure to be a hit!” —Chris Stewart, U.S. Congressman and NYT bestselling author of The Miracle of Freedom

Thursday, April 7, 2016

The "Destination Billionaire Romance
Series," which I've been invited to collaborate on, launched April 6. A group of talented authors will each produce a volume in the series--one new, romantic volume featuring billionaire romances will be
released every month for a year. How fun is that?

Book one, The Reclusive Billionaire, is
written by the bestselling author of the Billionaire Marriage Broker’s
series, Lucy McConnell. It's smart, romantic fiction.

Lucas Scott, a world-renowned microbiologist, is
desperate to find a cure for the butterfly flu before it spreads. Hounded by
the media, he escapes to his houseboat in Santa Barbara where he meets a
vivacious veterinarian with a penchant for taking in strays. While he searches
for the key to unlocking the butterfly flu, Becca somehow unlocks his
analytical heart.

Becca Lee isn't impressed with her new neighbor. His
clothes are constantly wrinkled and he's grumpier than a cat with digestive
problems. However, Luke isn't easy to brush off. He's always around, has a
magnificent mind, and is full of surprises. But, what she can't figure out is
why her instincts tell her to trust this rouge billionaire. It doesn't take
long to realize he is the only one alive who can save the world and Becca has
to make a choice--open her heart or watch Luke sail off into the sunset.

To kick off this new series, Lucy McConnell is offering a
free book to readers. The Busy Woman’s
Guide to Getting It All Done is only available
here. Find out how Lucy, a wife, mother of four, author, and business
owner, accomplishes her daily tasks as well as those big projects in life while
still having fun.

Friday, April 1, 2016

Lovers of historical romance will relish Did Lawson’s Hohenstein, an engaging pre-World War I
glimpse into the privilege and problems besetting the German aristocracy, and
the young nobles caught in the transition to the modern world.

Nineteen-year-old Marie Louise, Baroness von Hohenstein, and
heir of Hohenstein Castle, is a headstrong heiress with serious money troubles.
Abandoned by party-seeking mother to the care of a stern aunt as a child, and
then carted off to boarding school upon her father’s death when only seven,
Marie-Louise has learned to be independent and determined.

The inexplicable failure of her solicitor to pay her tuition
brings her home to Hohenstein after a twelve-year absence. Marie-Louise is stunned
to discover that the staff has been dismissed due to lack of funds, and her stern
and proper Aunt Ambrosia, defender of the aristocracy, is the cook, maid, and
gardener. More distressing, the castle is in dire need of repairs, and the responsibility
to restore the House of Hohenstein rests on her pretty, young shoulders.

A trip to Wolfburg Bank to meet with a loving but distant
uncle, Count Wolfburg, or Onkel Georg, upends her world as she discovers that the
count has passed away, leaving the bank and the responsibility for the entire
family, of which she is a part, to his dashing oldest son, Ulrich.

Ulrich remembers Marie-Louise as a mischievous child, and
she sees him as a handsome, chiseled version of the same standoffish snob she
remembers—the snob also assigned to manage her strictly guarded trust, of which
only a small allowance is available to her until her twenty-fifth birthday or
her wedding day.

Ulrich’s cat-and-mouse flirtations disarm her while he
refuses her any sort of financial help to save the castle, and as rumors abound
about his impending engagement. Marie-Louise’s pride, and lack of experience
with romance, get her into scrape after scrape, requiring some damage control
by the family members she is learning to both love and rely upon.

Lawson pulls from her beloved German heritage, sprinkling Hohenstein with delightful details and
rich, descriptive settings. Her phrasing has a German lilt that, when combined
with dozens of regional names and phrases, anchors the reader in the story and
time.

Lovers of romance will not be disappointed. Lawson turns up
the heat while keeping the book a clean read suitable even for mature teens. Details
and questions raised throughout the story are tied together nicely, leaving
readers satisfied and smiling. Best of all, Hohenstein
achieves what readers of historicals want. It transports you to another
place and time, entertains, and becomes a trusted guide. What more could a
reader ask?

Didi Lawson’s beautiful Hohenstein
cover, and her engaging story and settings inspired me to do a little
reader-research of my own, placing the restored castle and its surrounding
communities on my list of places I’d love to visit. Start with the trailer,
then grab the book. You’ll be glad you did.

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“A nation which does not remember what it was yesterday, does not know what it is today, nor what it is trying to do. We are trying to do a futile thing if we do not know where we came from or what we have been about.”-Woodrow Wilson